Harsh Vardhan
In ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ a reality competition show inspired by the South Korean drama Squid Game, four hundred and fifty-six participants vie for the grand prize of $4.56 million. This staggering sum sets a new benchmark as the largest single cash reward in the history of reality television and game shows, surpassing the previous record of $2,600,000 secured by Andrew Kravis in ‘The Million Second Quiz.’ As contestants engage in a series of intense games, the boundaries of their endurance are tested, compelling each player to contemplate the lengths they are willing to go in order to emerge victorious, and here are 10 more shows like ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ that you should check out.
10. Killer Camp (2019-2022)
‘Killer Camp,’ created by James Donkin and Ben Wilson, is a reality show with a unique blend of murder mystery and competition. The show is hosted by comedian Bobby Mair. In a camp setting, contestants believe they’re part of a regular reality show, but one among them is a secret murderer. Participants work to identify the killer while facing various challenges, and each night, the murderer eliminates a fellow camper. With its suspenseful atmosphere and strategic elements, ‘Killer Camp’ shares the intense and unpredictable nature of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ providing viewers with a thrilling mix of reality and mystery in a competitive setting.
9. The Genius (2013-2015)
‘The Genius’ is a South Korean reality show known for its strategic depth. In ‘The Genius,’ contestants engage in intellectual challenges and games that test their analytical and strategic prowess. Each episode, a participant is voted off, emphasizing alliances and clever gameplay. The intricate format and psychological twists draw parallels to ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ Both shows share a focus on strategy, pushing participants to their limits, and the suspenseful elimination process. ‘The Genius’ captivates audiences with its mind games and competitive edge in a unique reality setting.
8. Survivor (2000-)
‘Survivor,’ created by Charlie Parsons and hosted by Jeff Probst, is a groundbreaking survival reality show where contestants are marooned on a remote island and must outwit, outplay, and outlast each other to win a cash prize. The show’s strategic gameplay, tribal councils, and physical challenges resonate with fans worldwide. Similar to ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ ‘Survivor’ tests the limits of human endurance and cunning strategy, showcasing the relentless pursuit of victory. Both series captivate audiences with intense competition, alliances, and the unpredictable nature of reality in a high-stakes setting.
7. 007: Road to a Million (2023-)
In ‘007: Road To A Million,’ hosted by Brian Cox, nine pairs of ordinary individuals embark on a thrilling global journey, navigating a sequence of Bond-inspired challenges to compete for a transformative £1,000,000 prize. Much like the gripping challenges in ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ this reality series pushes contestants to their limits in pursuit of a life-changing reward. With an array of high-stakes missions and strategic twists, both shows captivate audiences by combining intense competition with the potential for significant financial gain in a suspenseful and unpredictable setting.
6. The Amazing Race (2001-)
‘The Amazing Race‘ and ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ share a common thread in their focus on intense competition and the pursuit of a significant prize. While ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ delves into a darker and more dramatic realm, both shows compel contestants to their limits through a series of challenging tasks. ‘The Amazing Race,’ created by Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, follows teams of two as they race around the world, completing diverse challenges to win cash prizes. Hosted by Phil Keoghan, the show emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and adaptability in a global setting, offering viewers suspenseful and strategic entertainment, albeit with a lighter tone than ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’
5. The Circle (2020-)
‘The Circle‘ and ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ diverge in concept, yet both captivate audiences through strategic gameplay. While ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ leans into physical challenges and life-threatening scenarios, ‘The Circle’ explores the dynamics of social strategy in a virtual environment. In ‘The Circle,’ contestants live in isolation but interact through a social media platform, where they can choose to be authentic or adopt a different persona to win over their peers. Presented by Michelle Buteau, ‘The Circle’ thrives on deception and strategic alliances, providing a thought-provoking contrast to the physically demanding challenges of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ The show, with its unique premise, offers a fresh perspective on competition, emphasizing the influence of perception and social dynamics in the pursuit of victory.
4. The Mole (2001-)
In the realm of reality TV, ‘The Mole‘ takes a cerebral approach, diverging from the physical challenges of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ but sharing an underlying theme of intrigue and strategic gameplay. ‘The Mole’ introduces an undercover saboteur into a group of contestants working collectively to win money through challenges. As opposed to the overt confrontations in ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ ‘The Mole’ relies on deception and deductive reasoning, testing the contestants’ ability to identify the secret manipulator. Both shows showcase the multifaceted nature of competition, with ‘The Mole’ adding an extra layer of mystery, strategy, and psychological complexity to the reality TV landscape.
3. The Traitors (2022-)
‘The Traitors‘ offers a British twist on the reality TV landscape, drawing parallels to the gripping nature of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ Adapted from the Dutch series De Verraders, the show unfolds as a strategic game resembling the party game Mafia. In this intriguing setup, a select few contestants become the elusive “Traitors,” collaborating to eliminate others and claim the grand prize, while the remaining participants, dubbed the “Faithful,” strive to uncover and expel the Traitors through strategic voting. Much like the suspenseful dynamics of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ ‘The Traitors’ combines deception, collaboration, and strategic maneuvering, creating an immersive experience for viewers.
2. House of Villains (2023-)
‘House of Villains‘ emerges as an American reality competition, aligning with the strategic nuances found in ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ Hosted by Joel McHale, the show gathers 10 of reality television’s most notorious villains, propelling them into a cutthroat battle for a $200,000 cash prize and the coveted title of America’s Ultimate Supervillain. Each episode unfolds as a Battle Royale challenge, mirroring the suspenseful elimination format of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ As contestants face off and are systematically ousted, ‘House of Villains’ infuses the competition with a villainous flair, offering viewers a gripping blend of strategic gameplay and theatrical intensity.
1. Big Brother (2000-)
For fans craving the strategic thrill of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ ‘Big Brother‘ is a binge-worthy delight! Imagine living in a house where the walls have ears, and alliances crumble like week-old cookies. Presented by Julie Chen Moonves and Ian O’Malley, ‘Big Brother’ is not just a reality show; it’s a strategic battleground where contestants navigate social scheming and cunning gameplay to avoid eviction and seize a hefty cash prize. It’s like ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ but with fewer costumes and more whispered alliances. So, if you enjoy the heart-pounding mix of strategy, drama, and unexpected twists, ‘Big Brother’ is your front-row ticket to the ultimate reality rollercoaster.
Read More: Where is Squid Game The Challenge Filmed?
